Archive for July, 2008

A governor who proved that ordinary people can topple political dynasties and make a difference, and a Filipino microfinance organization that extends loans to poor families are among the eight winners of the 2008 Ramon Magsaysay Awards, organizers announced yesterday.

President Gloria Arroyo has asked Congress to approve a new amnesty for communist rebels, reiterating that the use of â€œsoft power of economic progressâ€ and dialogue are proven effective counterinsurgency strategies.

A total of P114.6 million in loan proceeds allegedly went to various individuals and groups, including the brother of Speaker Prospero Nograles, in the form of miscellaneous fees in what is now known as the “swine scam.”

This was revealed at the hearing of the Senate Blue-Ribbon Committee on government lender Quedancor’s P1.6-billion swine loan program, which critics suspect was diverted to the administration’s 2004 campaign kitty.

INQUIRER.net
LOCAL EXCS:
Attack on Basilan school â€˜test mission for young banditsâ€™

By Julie Alipala
Mindanao Bureau
First Posted 23:38:00 07/31/2008

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Local officials in Basilan said on Thursday that an attack by armed men on the Tipo-tipo National High School, on Tuesday, could have been a “test mission for young bandits” as most of the assailants looked to be in their teens.

Justice Jose Sabio of the Court of Appeals had been offered money and a promotion to the Supreme Court to favor the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) over the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), according to a businessman who claims to have known Sabio since he was a regional trial court judge.

Sabio denied the accusations, saying they were â€œridiculousâ€ and â€œincredible.â€

As the first international flight prepares to take off from Terminal 3 of the Manila airport on August 1, the presidential appointee tasked to make sure the long mothballed terminal opens this year has resigned.